Podcast Summary: How To Age Up – Best of “How To”: Waste Time
Introduction In the episode titled "Waste Time," part of The Atlantic’s "How To" series, hosts Ian Bogost and Becca Rashid delve into the modern obsession with productivity and the cultural narratives surrounding time management. Released on December 16, 2024, this episode explores the paradox of living in an age where technology accelerates our pace, yet leaves us struggling to find moments of true presence and rest.
Revisiting Productivity in a Tech-Driven World Becca Rashid opens the conversation by sharing a personal anecdote about waiting at a bus stop, illustrating the anxiety that arises from having to do nothing in a society that equates worth with constant activity. At [01:51], Ian Bogost remarks, “Oh, it was only four minutes, Becca. It’s not very much time,” highlighting the disproportionate stress we place on even the smallest amounts of unstructured time.
The Impact of Technology on Our Perception of Time The discussion quickly shifts to how technology has transformed our relationship with time. Becca notes, “All of those emails and texts and notifications keep us occupied at every given moment” ([03:09]), emphasizing how digital devices create an incessant demand for our attention. Ian adds, “For one part, we’re more efficient, but we still continue to feel like there’s just not enough time in the day” ([03:42]), pointing out the inefficacy of increased efficiency in alleviating time-related stress.
Interview with Oliver Berkman: Challenging the Productivity Paradigm The episode features an interview with Oliver Berkman, a journalist and author known for his critique of conventional productivity hacks. Berkman discusses the concept of chronophobia—the fear of time passing—and how society’s relentless pursuit of efficiency masks our fundamental anxiety about time's finiteness.
At [06:22], Berkman states, “This fact of it being finite is something that I think we obviously intellectually understand, but we don’t behave on a day to day basis as if time were finite.” He critiques the fantasy of mastering time through productivity strategies, arguing that this approach avoids confronting the reality of our limited existence.
The Myth of Infinite Time and Cultural Conditioning Berkman further explains, “We’re constantly trying to reach a kind of godlike position over our time” ([08:41]). He argues that the drive for maximum productivity is a way to deny our mortality and avoid making tough choices about how we spend our limited time. This cultural conditioning leads to a perpetual cycle of striving for future benefits, often at the expense of present joy and fulfillment.
Becca resonates with Berkman’s insights, sharing her experience of realizing that achieving exceptional accomplishments requires starting much earlier in life, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and lost time ([09:47]).
Redefining 'Wasting Time': Embracing Presence The conversation shifts to practical approaches for redefining what it means to "waste time." Berkman introduces the concept of “atelic activities” – pursuits not driven by an end goal. He emphasizes the importance of being present without the pressure of productivity: “because of the world in which we live that is so completely committed to the idea that time must be used for future benefits…the only real way to use time really well… is to waste it” ([10:19]).
Balancing Mindfulness and Productivity Becca and Ian explore the challenge of balancing mindfulness with societal expectations of productivity. Becca admits, “I feel like I’m happiest when I’m just wasting time with people” ([16:08]), highlighting the intrinsic value of unstructured social interactions.
Oliver Berkman offers strategies to ease into a less productivity-centric mindset. He suggests starting with small, manageable changes, such as dedicating just ten minutes to a hobby without committing to it long-term: “If you tell yourself you’re going to do it for 10 minutes today and that’s it, then that is the point at which things start changing” ([28:46]).
Parenting and Presence The discussion turns to parenting, where the tension between being present and meeting future-oriented goals is particularly pronounced. Berkman shares his experience of encouraging his son’s playful engagement with music without enforcing rigorous practice schedules: “There is something about the letting go into those moments that is absolutely fantastic” ([19:32]).
Cultural Pressures and the Evolution of Patience Oliver delves into the evolving role of patience in a fast-paced society. He contrasts the traditional view of patience as a virtue for the powerless with its modern interpretation as a form of agency: “now, the default is that we’re all moving incredibly fast, and it becomes a form of agency to be able to sit with a problem” ([25:47]).
Becca reflects on childhood lessons about time, questioning whether teaching children that time is limited or unlimited fosters a healthier relationship with time as they grow: “Is it helpful to teach kids that time is limited or unlimited? And which one leads to kids having a better relationship with time as they get older?” ([26:43]).
Navigating Time Constraints and Emotional Burdens The episode addresses the emotional weight of time constraints, especially for those juggling work and family responsibilities. Berkman acknowledges the difficulty for individuals who must choose between essential tasks and quality time with loved ones: “Nobody should ever feel that they ought to do more than they can do” ([28:46]).
Conclusion: Embracing Time as Personal and Valuable In the final segments, Ian and Becca synthesize the episode’s insights, emphasizing the importance of viewing time as personal rather than a metric to be optimized. Becca concludes, “I just need to start thinking of my time as my own, not something that needs to be maximized or proven to other people” ([33:06]), encapsulating the episode’s core message.
Key Takeaways
- Technology’s Double-Edged Sword: While technology increases efficiency, it also perpetuates the pressure to remain constantly productive, leaving little room for genuine rest and presence.
- Challenging Productivity Myths: Conventional productivity hacks often mask deeper anxieties about time’s finiteness, preventing individuals from embracing the present.
- Redefining 'Waste Time': Accepting and valuing unstructured time as essential for personal fulfillment and mental well-being.
- Mindfulness Over Efficiency: Cultivating mindfulness requires intentional shifts in how we perceive and engage with time, starting with small, manageable changes.
- Parental Presence: Balancing future-oriented goals with present moments is crucial in parenting, fostering meaningful connections without the burden of relentless productivity.
- Cultural Reevaluation of Patience: Modern patience is redefined as a form of agency, enabling individuals to engage deeply with the present amidst a fast-paced society.
Notable Quotes
- Becca Rashid [01:18]: “Hello, Ian. Alas, I’m waiting at the bus stop and it seems it will never come. A small glimpse into how anxious I am.”
- Oliver Berkman [06:36]: “This fact of it being finite is something that I think we obviously intellectually understand, but we don’t behave on a day to day basis as if time were finite.”
- Oliver Berkman [08:41]: “We’re constantly trying to reach a kind of godlike position over our time.”
- Oliver Berkman [10:19]: “The only real way to use time really well… is to waste it.”
- Oliver Berkman [25:47]: “Patience… becomes a form of agency to be able to sit with a problem, sit with an experience, not need to bring things to the next stage.”
Final Thoughts "How To Waste Time" serves as a profound exploration of our contemporary struggles with time management and productivity. By engaging with thinkers like Oliver Berkman, the episode encourages listeners to reconsider their relationship with time, advocating for a balanced approach that honors both present experiences and future aspirations. This thoughtful discourse prompts a necessary reevaluation of how we navigate the fleeting nature of time in an increasingly fast-paced world.